Hello I'm new to this

[Mandyfibronmore]

I have fibromyalgia, along with arthritis and more. I am just introducing myself and wondering about other people's Cronic pain stories. I have never been to a pain management doctor and wonder what to expect. I live in Erie Pennsylvania and only take Cymbalta for my fibromyalgia.   And some anti anxiety and mood stabilizers for my poor head being messed up. I've never really considered a PM doctor until very recently and mostly because I want to be able to grow up with my 2 energy filled kids without being in constant pain after too much activity. They are 10 Dylan and almost 8 Julianne (who has Cystic Fibrosis) and they deserve a mommy who can keep up with them at least somewhat.thank you to anyone who replies for taking the time to read and reply. I am a 36 yo female 5 ft tall and 150 lbs. If that makes a difference. I love that there is a place for people to come and discuss our pain. Because like I have seen on here and know already in my heart that unless u suffer from Cronic pain there is no way to understand it.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Mandy,

Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I'm glad you found us and took the time to begin a new thread and tell us about you.

Chronic Pain robs so many ppl of productive and comfortable lives. It can be difficult to locate good pain management in the current climate. Our government - DEA - has waged war against drug abusers, which was certainly needed. Sadly this has had an effect on we chronic pain patients. Many medical providers are frightened by perceived threats (often real)  from the DEA of prosecution when they treat pain with opiates.

Locating a good PMP is often challenging but not impossible. You deserve to receive any and all treatments for your pain. As Phil said, it's important to live a functional life.

You are so right. Ppl that don't have Chronic Pain cannot truly embrace all that means. When Chronic Pain is not treated properly or not understood it can destroy a life and a family.

Please know that we welcome you here. I just want you to be aware that we also have a Fibro Community that may be of help. (Please don't leave us.)  Here's the Fibro link:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Fibromyalgia

Your age or weight makes no difference to us. Forgive me but I never share either number. :0)  I hope you'll be an active member of our community. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[philnoir]

Hello Mandy, welcome to the Pain Community.

We have plenty of people who come here with FM stories. I'm sure you'll read some as you go back through the threads and messages.

Myself, I live with severe degenerative spine disease that began to develop around 1980. With medical help I have been able to help raise a family, maintain a professional practice, and be active in my community. As my disease is degenerative, I can no longer work, and I'm not very active, but I still try every day -- that's what's important.

My advice is to get the help you need to maintain functionality in your daily life. If that means seeing a pain doctor or acquiring a prescription for pain medication you take every day, do so. What's important is living a functional life -- raising those children, and doing whatever else your heart desires.

That's what pain management is about -- living your dream and fulfilling your heart's desire.

See you around...

Best wishes.